Page 58 of Fly's Path

As he leans back, I collapse into his arms.

What just happened?

A mind-blowing kiss.

That isn’t the part I meant, even though it’s true. “I’m sorry.”

“What?” He lifts my chin up to stare into his eyes.

“I made this all weird, and I’m sorry. It was just supposed to be fun.” Why did I do that? Why did I get all in my head trying to figure out who this man is?

“You know what happens after the princess kisses the fly.”

Wasn’t it the toad? “What?”

“She gets to know him. To figure out if he’s her prince or really just a bug in disguise.”

Is he saying what I think he is? “What if she isn’t a princess, but he’s really a prince?” And now we’re talking in metaphors about a story that isn’t even real.

My coat pocket vibrates as my phone starts to ring.

It’s a reprieve that doesn’t feel like one. “Excuse me for one second.” At this point, I don’t even care if it’s a scammer on the line. I’ll happily talk about the extended warranty on my twenty-year-old car rather than put my foot in my mouth anymore.

“Sheridan, where are you? We’ve been looking for you.” Dahlia asks.

Oops. I didn’t tell anyone when I let Fly drag me away…or I dragged him, depending on how you’re looking at it. “Sorry, I just wanted a few minutes of privacy.”

“You’re with him, aren’t you?” she whispers conspiratorially.

“Yes.” I glance over at Fly, who isn’t even pretending not to be watching my every move.

“EEEEEE. You need to tell me everything. I’ll distract Maverick until you’re done, but make it quick-ish…my guy gets antsy when he’s around people for too long.”

That isn’t surprising. Her guy doesn’t exactly give off people-person vibes. He’s more like, give me my woman and my house, then leave me alone, or I’ll hurt you, which is totally fair. Who wouldn’t want to spend their life in a pretty mansion with a woman like Dahlia?

What would Fly see in me past a few kisses and some fun?

Stop.

That’s Grammie talking, and you know it.

You’re just as valuable as anyone else in this world. Where you came from and how much money you have doesn’t determine your value…

But that doesn’t stop me from hearing Grammie say, ‘Who would want a valueless piece of trash like you? Why else would your father have dumped you on my doorstep like the filth you are?’

I turn away from him to hide the torment hiding in my brain in case Fly can read my mind, like it sometimes feels like he can.

Right now, I just need to get away from him…from everyone, and especially the voices echoing through my head.

What I wouldn’t give to just run for the next few hours.

But none of that’s possible at the moment, so my only option is to become a coward. “I’ll be there as soon as possible.” And out of this mess I made with Fly. I click off before she can tell me not to rush.

Though it feels wrong running away from him when things are this awkward. But maybe it’s for the best. This kissing game wasn’t ever meant to go any farther than a fun distraction during a short trip. I turn to Fly. “Sorry, that was my ride. We need to head back.”

“I can drive you home.”

What? No. “Um…I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m staying in Urbium. It’s a fairly long drive home, and it’s late.”